When God’s vengeance seems extreme is demonstrated in Numbers 31. On my way reading through the entire Bible I recently encountered this story. And I confess it is a little unsettling. My loving God. Gracious and merciful is also an avenging God? Here are some thoughts on a Bible story that is difficult to explain.
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. It’s not a secret. God claims and executes vengeance.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. (ESV, Romans 12:19)
God stands in for the weak, the vulnerable, and the innocent. And those who perpetrate evil against them will one day pay for it. Most people agree that is appropriate justice. And perhaps, take comfort in knowing that evil perpetrators like Hitler, Stalin, and others who have unleashed death and suffering on so many won’t get away with it.
But the story in Numbers 31 is different. Because God used the nation of Israel to execute vengeance against the Midianites. God pronounced judgement on the Midianites because they were trying to lead Israel away from its Hebrew God and into idol worship. So, God told Moses to send Israel’s army to attack them.
Wow! Didn’t see that coming. At first, Israel’s army killed all the men and left the women and children. But in the end, they only spared the young, virgin girls. But to be fair, God used other surrounding nations to attack and punish Israel too.
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. God directs His vengeance toward sin
God loves us but cannot tolerate sin. It is the source of evil on earth. And within our hearts. We are wholly infected by it, doomed by it, and unable to fix it. And none of this sounds very promising or hopeful for us.
Furthermore, scripture warns of a final judgment and punishment for sin. However, Jesus Christ sacrificed himself on a cross and paid the penalty for sin. And those who believe in Jesus by faith, confess their sin, and seek forgiveness will receive God’s grace instead
It’s also reassuring to know that God is Sovereign. He is in firm control of the world and moving it towards an eternal plan. Therefore, He orchestrates both good and evil to serve His purpose. It includes a new heaven and earth. Life without sin. And a renewed relationship between God and His followers.
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. Accept God for who He is and not who you want Him to be.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (ESV, Isaiah 55:8)
Scripture describes God in His fullness. He is a God of love, compassion, and grace. But also, justice, vengeance, and, oh yeah, jealous when we pursue other gods.
He avenges the harm done to the defenseless. Expects justice from us and demands we all give an account.
So, how do we explain this God?
Well, we could create a version of God that is more palatable. Like a one dimensional, jolly old Saint Nick who only hands out presents and goodwill. Or perhaps, claim moral superiority and reject Him. Because of course, we would never consider doing any of the horrific things described in the Bible. Or maybe we just tip toe around those uncomfortable Biblical stories that are hard to explain.
But a clear picture requires viewing God in His entirety. An infinite, almighty God with infinite complexities and nuances. While we are finite and will never fully understand Him. But we can seek to know Him as He is revealed in scripture. Which, by the way, is also brutally honest. Because it sees and describes humanity and the world honestly in all of its violent reality.
And yet, it still offers a powerful message of hope!
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. God’s love, grace, and mercy prevails
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
Sin separates us from God and ultimately, leads to judgment. But because of His love, God made a provision for us. He sent Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to pay the penalty for our sin. Therefore, everyone who believes in and trusts Jesus is redeemed from sin. And at the time of judgment, God will extend grace instead of punishment.
That is the message of the Gospel. And it’s a beacon of hope throughout the Bible. Because of Jesus, we can experience the real power of spiritual transformation.
God will forever remain who He is. We, however, will be forever changed.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
God’s promise to his people in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a popular and frequently discussed Bible verse. Here are some lessons it offers us today.
God’s promise to his people. Keep it in proper context.
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 7:14)
It took around seven years for King Solomon to build God’s temple described in 2 Chronicles 3-6. And the dedication service for it described in chapter seven featured animal sacrifices and celebrations that lasted seven days. It concluded with a solemn assembly where Solomon offered a prayer of dedication to God. And God responded with a promise to Solomon and the people of Israel.
God spoke the promise directly to King Solomon and specifically mentioned the people of Israel. They were the only ones considered “His people” at the time. Therefore, we should not pull it from that historical context and arbitrarily apply it to the United States in a like manner.
The promise alludes to Israel’s history of faithfulness and unfaithfulness. They had a pattern of turning away from God and returning when things went bad for them. Therefore, the promise was conditional to their faithfulness. And required action steps on their return. And while the promise itself is not meant for America, the prescription and spiritual benefits still apply.
God’s promise to his people begins with humility.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (ESV, Isaiah 53:6)
Humility is base camp. The launching pad for God’s promise. Both as individuals and a body of believers. And it involves honest, self-examination of our spiritual condition as a sinners before a Holy God. Through humility we recognize the absolute holiness of God. And that even in our best moments of righteousness, we stand unholy and condemned before Him.
However, Satan covers our eyes with the pride of self-righteousness. And the soft whisper that little sins are okay. Just beware of the big ones. Those committed by really bad people who aren’t like us.
And yet, all sins–even the little ones–are unacceptable to a perfect God. And they collect like a measles outbreak. Random spots at first that eventually cover from head to toe. But little sins collect steadily, although perhaps, slowly. Like a gentle current drifting away from the presence of God.
God’s promise to his people involves a prayerful pursuit of God.
A prayerful pursuit of God is intentional and requires daily care and regular attention. But it’s easy to neglect when things are going well. And simply coast on spiritual auto pilot.
However, this lulls us into complacency. And lets Satan quietly plant dandelions in our spiritual lawn. Weeds acting as flower posers that overrun the lawn and create an eyesore.
Therefore, the prayerful pursuit of God requires diligence. A regular routine of spiritual disciplines. Essential worship of the church body. And support and accountability in a community of believers. To form a body of Christ-followers that serve as a lighthouse to the community.
God’s promise to his people embraces repentance.
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (ESV, Mark 1:15)
We often associate repentance with the emotion of feeling sorry. But it’s more than that. Because saying you’re sorry can be meaningful or meaningless words. Your actions that follow define which one.
The Greek word for “repent” in Mark 1:15 is mĕtanŏĕō, which means to think differently, reconsider, or feel compunction. And it involves an action. To turn from and turn towards. It requires exercising your will followed by purposeful actions that support it.
Furthermore, repentance is not a one time act. Because even God’s faithful people turn from and break God’s law. But when we confess our sin, repent, and turn back to God, He extends His grace and restores us.
God’s promise to his people includes hearing and healing.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (ESV, Ephesians 2:13)
The recipients of the Old Testament promise eagerly awaited the coming Messiah while today, we celebrate the saving work Jesus completed. Old Testament people looked ahead. New Testament people look back. But it’s towards the same, significant event. And in both cases, we must repent and seek God,
When we do, God’s promise is the same for everyone on both sides. He hears and spiritually heals. And it includes us all as God’s people.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Who is a child of God? Are you? Am I? Although every human being is a unique creation, dearly loved by God, that doesn’t make us His child. Here are three Bible teachings on what it means to be a child of God and how to be in the family.
Who is a child of God? Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (ESV, John 1:14)
Jesus Christ is God’s only true child. Who scripture calls the Son of God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. And who was both fully God and man.
Jesus lived a perfect life, free from sin. Furthermore, he taught and demonstrated God’s love and compassion for all humanity. And how we should live in a manner that pleases the God. He died a sacrificial death on a Roman cross and rose from the grave three days later. And conquered the power of sin and death. Therefore, all who call on his name and follow him experience a spiritual transformation. And become a new creation.
Who is a child of God? You become a child of God by receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (ESV, John 1:12-13)
Every person is uniquely created and loved by God. But a child of God is more than that. Something different and unique. And it involves another step. An individual, decision and act of personal faith. And a spiritual transaction of believing in and receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
After this, God grants us a right to become a child of God.
But it is an unearned right on our part. Additionally granted and initiated by the will of God. And not because we deserve it. But because God desires it. However, it comes with extraordinary benefits. Because our severed relationship with God is restored to a new level of intimacy.
Who is a child of God? When you receive Jesus you are adopted into the family of God
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ… (ESV, Romans 8:16-17)
But you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father! (ESV, Romans 8:15)
As his children, God now invites us to call Him by a more familiar name. The Greek word Abba is the same word Jesus used when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before his crucifixion. And it’s a designation of intimate respect. Because “God” is no longer the name that best describes our new relationship. Although correct, it seems stale and impersonal. Because He has moved us from strangers and made us family.
It’s an adoption where we’re granted full rights as children and heirs to eternal life. Our severed relationship with God is restored to a new level of intimacy. And we may call God, Heavenly Father with full privileges as family members. Rather than fear, it’s a relationship characterized by trust and a secure sense of destiny, purpose, and belonging.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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The awkward truth about God’s wrath makes it an unpopular topic. Because, well…the thought an Almighty God is angry and might punish us is frightful and something we’d rather not talk about. But scripture mentions it frequently. So here are three things to keep in mind about it.
The awkward truth about God’s wrath. God’s thoughts and emotions are higher than ours
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (ESV, Isaiah 55:8-9)
We are made in God’s image with His emotions and relational character traits. Along with a will and conscience to distinguish between right and wrong. Furthermore, we have intelligence and the ability to observe God’s existence demonstrated through His creation.
But God is infinite and we are finite. Furthermore, our image is marred due to sin. Therefore, our thoughts and emotions are capricious and unpredictable. And our wrath is often uncontrolled, which leads to irrational actions with disastrous consequences.
But not so with God. He is perfectly holy, righteous, and just. Absolutely consistent in all His ways.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. (ESV, Romans 1:18-19)
So what exactly is God’s wrath? It is His divine anger towards and sovereign will to punish sin. What the Bible calls ungodliness and unrighteousness. All who embrace sin and reject God’s provision, Jesus Christ, must face it.
Even so, God’s wrath is not capricious and out of control like ours. Nor does He seek personal vengeance. But His wrath and judgment are individually measured and appropriately dispensed.
That’s the bad news. But there’s good news too.
God’s wrath is received at the end of this life
What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction. (ESV, Romans 9:22)
God loves us and is patient. He doesn’t fidget on his throne, gleefully rubbing his hands together in anticipation…eager to zap us with lightning bolts. He gives us an entire earthly life to see His truth and respond to Jesus Christ. And many opportunities to seek Him.
However, keep in mind that God is equally love and just. And while He lovingly waits for us to respond, His absolute justice won’t be denied. Furthermore, His absolute wrath and judgment are perfectly measured and administered according to His perfect character. We get exactly what we deserve.
The awkward truth about God’s wrath. It is turned away by God’s grace.
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (ESV, 1 Thessalonians 1:10)
Jesus Christ was God’s gift to us and an expression of His love. As the Son of God, Jesus lived a perfect life, died on a cross for our sins, and resurrected from the dead three days later. When we ask Jesus to forgive our sins and accept him as Lord, we receive God’s grace instead of wrath.
And arejustified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, received by faith. (ESV, Romans 3:24-25a)
The Greek word for “propitiation” is hilastēriŏn, which means an atoning victim. In other words, Jesus’ sacrificial death atoned for our sins and satisfies God’s requirement of perfect justice. Because Jesus was a perfect sacrifice.
Till then, God’s wrath bears down on us like a speeding locomotive. Standing firm on the tracks means facing God’s wrath. But we can step off by accepting God’s grace. The choice is up to each of us. Those covered by the atonement of Jesus will receive grace. And enjoy an eternal homecoming. Those who reject Jesus will experience an awkward realization and an awful reality. Just don’t blame the train if you chose not to move.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Ways people approach ultimate life questions. Who am I? Why am I here? What happens when I die? Over the years in ministry I’ve observed different ways people approach these ultimate life questions. Here are four of the most common ones.
Ways people approach ultimate life questions. Press on and don’t think about it
When I was in seminary as a single adult, I attended a religious conference in Glorieta, New Mexico. The conference center was nestled among mountains. And during free time, a girl, another guy, and I decided to hike up the side of a mountain.
Now this was not Mount Everest. It was covered by trees, not snow and actually had a hiking path to the top so it wasn’t treacherous. But it was very steep with some spots where I climbed on all fours. Along the way we came to a clearing and the girl and I paused to take in the scenery. We were awed by the majestic beauty and an Almighty God who created it.
However, the other guy chided us for wasting time. He was on a mission to reach the top. And as he pressed ahead the girl looked at me with a smile and said, “He’s a get there hiker.”
That’s how some people approach life.
Always busy. Moving forward. Determined to get there. So they set goals, establish agendas, and move forward on the path to get ahead. A better job, bigger house, and higher income. Don’t waste your time speculating. Just keep pressing forward.
I see this approach most often in young adults who are full of energy, dreams, and aspirations. Older people slow down because…well, you don’t have a choice. And become more introspective as they realize there is more of life behind than ahead of them.
Of course, the Bible talks about pressing ahead too. It just has a different focus. Here’s what the Apostle Paul says:
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (ESV, Philippians 3:13-14)
Paul pressed forward with a goal and Godly purpose which was to follow and more closely imitate Jesus Christ. He would claim his prize when he entered heaven.
Ways people approach ultimate life questions. Hope for the best.
This is my approach to golf. In my younger days I played golf with a friend who was a scratch golfer. I on the other hand, was a hacker.
And if we were on a hill in the fairway as we approached the green, and the green was at the top and we couldn’t see the pin, my friend would pace it off. He’d walk up to the hole and back, select a club, and put the ball within six feet of the pin.
I on the other hand just took my chances. Guess on the right club, hit the ball and hope for the best. Because for me, hitting the ball straight was an accomplishment and getting within six yards of the green a win.
And this is how some people approach their spiritual life. They generally believe in God and have a sense of moral right and wrong. They know bits and pieces about Christianity and perhaps attend church occasionally. But they don’t explore it deeply or make it an important part of their life. They aim in what they see as the right spiritual direction and hope for the best.
But you don’t have to wonder. Or guess. Or hope for the best. Scripture says you can know.
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. (ESV, 1 John 5:13)
The Bible answers life’s ultimate questions. And provides assurance to those who embrace its truth. You don’t have to guess, but you do have to seek its truth. And take the time to study and learn God’s word.
Ways people approach ultimate life questions. Do good things.
This is the most common approach because most people believe in God. They have a sense of right and wrong. Good and evil. And know heaven is where the good people go. But they don’t recognize the real problem, which is sin. Instead, they mistakenly believe that God uses this spiritual scale to weigh the good against the bad and if the good wins out, you go to heaven.
So, typically, this person compares themselves morally to others. They admit they aren’t perfect, but consider themselves morally superior to criminals shown on the news. And to prove it, they post all their virtuous acts on social media.
A rich young man who encounters Jesus and he asks him, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?
And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
He did the right things and checked off all the boxes. But knew something was still missing. So he asked, “What else do I lack?”
And what he lacked was a heart sold out to Jesus. And Jesus saw his heart. Just like he sees our hearts. The young man’s first priority was material possessions. Which is why Jesus told him to give it all away. Because Jesus wants to be our first priority. You see the do good approach wants to make a contribution. But Jesus wants a commitment. And this takes us to the last approach.
Ways people approach ultimate life questions. Follow Jesus
John 3:16 is one of the most well-known scripture verses in the Bible and says, “For God so loved the world he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
However, Jesus was more demanding.
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. (ESV, Luke 9:23)
Following Jesus is not an easy path. Especially in today’s secular culture that is growing more hostile towards the Bible and Christians. It takes more courage and commitment to follow Jesus today than ever before.
It involves submitting yourself to God. Confessing your sin, asking Jesus for forgiveness, and following him as Savior and Lord. It’s the approach that answers all the ultimate questions in life.
Deuteronomy 13:4 puts it this way:
It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
It’s simple though not easy. But it’s a life full of joy. Of meaning and purpose. And eternal hope. As you consider these different approaches, I pray you consider the one that follows Jesus.
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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